NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY
College of Education & Human Development
To:
Prospective Alternate Certification Students
From:
Dr. Vickie S. Gentry, Dean of Education & Human Development
Ms. Ramona Wynder, Coordinator of Alternate Certification
Re:
Alternate Certification
Thank you for your interest in Northwestern State University’s Alternate Certification programs. We are
recruiting outstanding individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of our children, and our goal
is to prepare you to be successful. We have included a packet of information for you, including the
guidelines for applying to our alternate certification program as well as completion of a Louisiana teacher
certification program.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
1. Complete the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) application for
admission to an alternate certification program. Return this application and the attached Louisiana
Department of Education Professional Conduct Form to the NSU Office of Teacher Certification, with a
resume and official transcripts from all colleges attended as well as PRAXIS scores (if you have taken
those tests).
2. Complete a Graduate School application (available at: www.nsula.edu/graduate studies/). All
students who are admitted to an Alternate Certification program must also be admitted to the Graduate
School. For Graduate School information, please call 1-800-232-9892.
3. Register for and present passing scores on the following examinations:
a. PRAXIS CORE tests (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics).
Effective September 1, 2014, PRAXIS CORE ACADEMIC SKILLS FOR EDUCATORS Reading (5712), Writing
(5722), and Mathematics (5732) tests are required. Passing scores on PRAXIS I PPST are accepted, if earned
prior to September 1, 2014.
(If you have an earned Master’s degree, an ACT composite score of at least 22, or an SAT combined verbal
and math score of at least 1030, the PRAXIS I exam is not required.)
b. PRAXIS II Content/Subject Area exam in your certification area. (Information regarding
PRAXIS tests required by the state of Louisiana is available on the last pages of this
document.)
c. GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores of at least 280-281 (new scoring) or 750 (old scoring)
(Verbal/Quantitative). NOTE: The GRE is not required for the Practitioner Teacher Program (PREP).
GRE registration information may be found at www.gre.org/splash.html.
Once again, we thank you for your dedication to raising student achievement and encourage you to apply
to one of our alternate certification programs. If you have any questions, please call the Coordinator of
Alternate Certification, Ramona Wynder at 318-357-4058 or wynderr@nsula.edu.
Further information is available at: http://dtl.nsula.edu.
Updated 01/08/15
NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY
Alternate Certification Programs
Persons wishing to earn Louisiana teacher certification through an Alternate Certification program may choose one
of the following graduate programs. (Students must meet Graduate School admission requirements for all programs.)
1, Practitioner Teacher Program (PREP) (21 hours) (with Master’s degree option): Elementary 15; Middle 4-8; Secondary 6-12. Cohorts in this online program begin studies in the summer and enroll in an Internship
in Teaching and Seminar during the following fall and spring semesters. This initial certification program requires 21
hours of graduate courses. Candidates must have the written guarantee of a teaching position in their certification
area/grade level for the school year immediately following summer classes in order to be admitted to the Fall Internship.
(12 hours of the PREP credits may apply toward a Master of Education degree.)
2. Professional Studies – Master of Arts in Teaching (PS-MAT): (33-39 graduate hours) This is an online
Master’s degree program which offers certification in: PK-3; Elementary 1-5; Middle 4-8; Secondary
6-12; Integrated Regular & Mild/Moderate Special Education 1-5, 4-8, or 6-12.
3. Non-Master’s Alternate Certification (501):
Music Education K-12.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PROGRAMS:
1. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited university;
2.
Have a 2.5 overall GPA or higher.
Effective August 1, 2015, the overall GPA required for admission will increase to 2.6.
Effective August 1, 2017, the overall GPA required for admission will increase to 2.8.
3. Passing scores on the PRAXIS CORE- Reading, Writing, Math. (PRAXIS I PPST will be accepted if passed prior to
September 1, 2014.)
(An earned Master’s degree, an ACT composite score of at least 22, or a SAT combined verbal and math score of at
least 1030 will substitute for passing PPST scores.)
4. Passing scores on the PRAXIS II content/subject specific examinations in your teaching area/grade levela. Candidates for Grades PK-3: pass the Elementary Education: Content Knowledge exam;
b. Candidates for Grades 1-5 (regular education and integrated regular & mild/moderate special education
grades 1-5): pass the Elementary Education Content Knowledge exam);
c. Candidates for Grades 4-8 (regular education and integrated regular & mild/moderate special education
grades 4-8): pass a Middle School content/subject specialty exam (Choose from: Math; English Language Arts; Science;
Social Studies);
c. Candidates for Grades 6-12 (regular education and integrated regular & mild/moderate special education
grades 6-12) and K-12 (Music): pass a PRAXIS content/subject exam for the content area in which you seek
certification.
Please refer to the Louisiana PRAXIS test chart at the end of this information packet. If no
examination has been adopted for Louisiana in the certification area, candidates must present a minimum
of 31 semester hours of coursework specific to the content area.
5. Minimum GRE score of 280-281 (new scoring) or 750 (old scoring) (Verbal & Quantitative)
NOTE: The GRE is not required for the Practitioner Teacher Program (PREP).
Certification requirements:
Certification through any of these programs also requires a passing score on a PRAXIS Pedagogy test
(Principles of Learning & Teaching for Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and K-12 certification; and
Special Education test for Mild/Moderate Special Education certification), a cumulative grade point average of at least
2.50 (on a 4.0 scale), and completion of an Internship. Students enrolled in the PS-MAT or non-Master’s programs
must pass ALL required PRAXIS tests for their certification prior to enrolling in the Internship. PREP students take the
Pedagogy tests during their Internship year.
Please return the attached application form and indicate which program you wish to enter. If you are a
Middle or Secondary Grades candidate, please note your teaching content (English, Math, etc.).
Updated 9/11/2014
NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO AN ALTERNATE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Name: Last
First
SSN:
MI/Maiden
Gender:
Address (Street or P.O. Box):
City:
Telephone:
State:
Home
Work
Zip:
Cell
E-mail address
Where did you earn your Bachelor’s degree? ___________________________
Graduation Date:__________________________
Do you have a Master’s degree?
GPA _______________
If so, where did you earn it?
PRAXIS If you have taken any of these tests, please provide your highest scores:
PRAXIS CORE: Reading _________ Writing ________ Mathematics ________ OR
PPST I: Reading
Writing
Mathematics
(if passed prior to 9/1/14)
PRAXIS II Content/Subject Area (s): test name/s _
score/s
PRAXIS II PLT (not required for admission to an alternate certification program):
GRE scores:
NOTE: GRE is not required for the Practitioner Teacher Program.
List all other colleges/universities that you have attended:
Do you have teaching experience?
School/Parish
Grade/content area
Will you have a teaching position for the next school year?
School/Parish
Grade/content area
Have you ever been enrolled in another alternate certification program? (University or Private Provider)
Updated 9/11/2014
Please indicate which Alternate Certification program you wish to enter:
1) Practitioner Teacher Program (PREP) with Master’s degree option** (online) ___
You must have the written guarantee of a teaching position in a public school prior to the first day of the
next school year, a minimum 2.50 GPA***, and passing scores on PRAXIS CORE or PPST and Specialty
Area test/s in your teaching area.
Certification level/subject/grades (choose one):
Regular Education:
Elementary Grades 1-5
Middle Grades 4-8 subject/content*
Secondary Grades 6-12 subject/content*
(**12 hours of PREP credits may apply toward a Master of Education degree.)
2) Practitioner Teacher Program (PREP) – certification only (online) __
You must have the written guarantee of a teaching position in a public school prior to the first day of the
next school year, a minimum 2.50 GPA***, and passing scores on PRAXIS CORE or PPST and Specialty
Area test/s in your teaching area.
Certification level/subject/grades (choose one):
Regular Education:
Elementary Grades 1-5
Middle Grades 4-8 subject/content*
Secondary Grades 6-12 teaching subject/content*
3) Professional Studies Program Master of Arts in Teaching degree (online)
You must have a minimum 2.50 GPA***, and passing scores on PRAXIS CORE or PPST and Specialty Area
test/s in your teaching area.
Certification level/subject/grades (choose one):
a) Regular Education: Early Childhood Grades PK-3
Middle 4-8 subject/content*
Elementary Grades 1-5
Secondary 6-12 subject/content*
OR
b) Integrated Regular & M/M Special Education:
M/M SPED Grades 1-5_
M/M SPED Grades 4-8 subject/content*
M/M SPED Grades 6-12 subject/content*
*English, Math, Biology, Social Studies, etc.
***Effective August 1, 2015, the overall GPA required for admission will increase to 2.6.
***Effective August 1, 2017, the overall GPA required for admission will increase to 2.8.
Updated 9/11/2014
4) Non-Master’s Alternate Certification (501)
Instrumental Music
Signature
; Vocal Music
Date
In order to apply for admission to one of NSU’s alternate certification programs, you must submit:
1) Application form;
2) PRAXIS scores; and
3) PREP students only – “letter of intent to employ” from your School Board to:
Office of Teacher Certification
College of Education & Human Development
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches LA 71497
4) Send the enclosed transcript request form to all universities attended (DO NOT FAX OR SEND
COPIES OF TRANSCRIPTS).
Or, you may have an electronic transcript from eScript sent to TEACHNORTHWESTERN.
NOTE: Admission to an Alternate Certification Program is dependent upon eligibility for
enrollment in NSU’s Graduate School. You must apply for admission to the Graduate School
before registering for classes.
Updated 9/11/2014
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TEACHER
CERTIFICATION AND HIGHER EDUCATION
PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT IN INK
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT FORM
(All questions must be answered)
NAME OF APPLICANT: (Including, First, Middle, and Married)
Social Security Number:
ADDRESS:
DATE OF BIRTH:
-
Please Check
Each Question must be answered:
YES
NO
1. Have you ever had any professional license/certificate denied, suspended,
revoked, or voluntarily surrendered?
If YES, in what state?_
2. Are you currently being reviewed or investigated for purposes of such action as
stated in #1 or is such action pending?
If YES, in what state?_
3. Have you ever been convicted of any felony offense, been found guilty or
entered a plea of nolo contendere (no contest), even if adjudication was
withheld?
If yes, please provide the following information:
Specify the Offense:
Date
of Offense:
State and Parish/County of Conviction:
Judicial District of Court of Conviction:
4. Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor offense that involves any of
the following:
a) Sexual or physical abuse of a minor child or other illegal conduct with a
minor child.
b) The possession, use, or distribution of any illegal drug as defined by
Louisiana or federal law.
5. Have you ever been granted a pardon or expungement for any offense as
stated in #3 or #4?
If you answered “YES” to any questions, #1 through #5, you must provide court certified copies of all documents and
proceedings, civil records of Federal, State and/or District School Board actions, or other relevant documents that provide
full disclosure of the nature and circumstances of EACH separate incident in your application packet.
I affirm and declare that all information given by me in the responses to items #1 through #5 above is
true, and correct, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any
misrepresentation of facts, by omission or addition, may result in criminal prosecution and/or the
denial or revocation of my teacher certificate.
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT:
DATE:
Updated 9/11/2014
NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY
PRACTITIONER TEACHER PROGRAM (PREP)
The Practitioner Teacher Program (PREP) is Louisiana's "fast track" route to teacher
certification. Northwestern offers PREP online.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
1.
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university with a 2.50 minimum
GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
Effective August 1, 2015, the overall GPA required for admission will increase to 2.6.
Effective August 1, 2017, the overall GPA required for admission will increase to 2.8.
2.
3.
4.
Passing scores on PRAXIS CORE or PPST Reading, Writing, and Math tests;
(CORE/PPST is waived for persons who have an earned Master’s degree, or an ACT
composite score of at least 22, or a SAT combined verbal and math score of at least
1030.)
Passing score/s on PRAXIS II Subject/Content test for your teaching area/grade level.
Prior to the first day of the Fall Internship semester, a letter of intent to employ from a
public school district which guarantees a teaching position in your certification area for the
school year following enrollment in PREP courses.
SUMMER:
Enroll in 9 hours of online graduate courses during the summer school session. Upon successful
completion of these courses (with a minimum grade of “C”), you will receive a Practitioner
License 1.
FALL and SPRING:
1.
2.
3.
Enroll in an Internship in a Louisiana public school in the Fall and Spring semesters
immediately following the summer coursework. (This is your teaching position.)
Enroll concurrently in an online seminar course in Fall and Spring.
Pass the remaining PRAXIS II test/s required for your certification.
Upon successful completion of all courses, Internship, and PRAXIS requirements, you will be
eligible for a Level 1 Teaching Certificate. Otherwise, your practitioner license can be renewed
twice.
Master of Education degree:
Twelve hours of PREP credits may apply toward a Master of Education degree. For further information,
contact Dr. Kimberly McAlister, Teaching and Learning Department (mcalisterk@nsula.edu).
A passing GRE score: minimum 280-281 (new scoring) or 750 (old scoring) Verbal/Quantitative
must be submitted to the Graduate School office for admission to the M.ED. program.
For further information, please contact the Coordinator of Alternate Certification, Ramona
Wynder at 318-357-4058 or wynderr@nsula.edu.
Updated 9/11/2014
NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING DEGREE PS-MAT
This is a traditional master’s degree which is offered online and leads to teacher
certification in Louisiana.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
1.
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university with a 2.50 minimum
GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
Effective August 1, 2015, the overall GPA required for admission will increase to 2.6.
Effective August 1, 2017, the overall GPA required for admission will increase to 2.8.
2.
3.
4.
Passing scores on PRAXIS CORE or PPST Reading, Writing, and Math tests.
(PRAXIS CORE/PPST are waived for persons who have an earned Master’s degree, or an
ACT composite score of at least 22, or a SAT combined verbal and math score of at least
1030.)
Passing score on PRAXIS II Subject/Content test for your teaching area/grade level.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) – minimum combined verbal and quantitative – 280-281
(new scoring) or 750 (old scoring).
ENROLLMENT:
Eligible candidates receive a “Prescription of Study” and course rotation, and may begin
coursework either in Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. You will be assigned an academic
advisor who will assist with scheduling the required courses.
Once admitted to the PS-MAT program, you are eligible for employment by a public school
district in Louisiana and may teach on a Practitioner License 3 for a total of 4 years, if yearly
renewal requirements are met.
INTERNSHIP IN TEACHING:
Upon completion of all coursework, and successfully passing the PRAXIS II Pedagogy tests, you
will enroll in a one-year Internship in Teaching. This is your teaching position in your
certification area. The Internship MUST be completed in a public school in Louisiana.
Upon successful completion of all courses, Internship, and PRAXIS requirements, you will be
eligible for a Level 1 Teaching Certificate.
Updated 9/11/2014
NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY
Non-Master’s Alternate Certification Program in Music Education
This program leads to Louisiana teacher certification in Music Education Grades K-12.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
1.
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university with a 2.50 minimum
GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
Effective August 1, 2015, the overall GPA required for admission will increase to 2.6.
Effective August 1, 2017, the overall GPA required for admission will increase to 2.8.
2.
Passing scores on PRAXIS CORE or PPST Reading, Writing, and Math tests.
(PRAXIS CORE/PPST are waived for persons who have an earned Master’s degree, or an
ACT composite score of at least 22, or a SAT combined verbal and math score of at least
1030.)
3.
Passing score/s on PRAXIS II Music Content test for your teaching area/grade level.
4.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) – minimum combined verbal and quantitative – 280-281
(new scoring) or 750 (old scoring).
ENROLLMENT:
Eligible candidates receive a “Prescription of Study”, and may begin coursework either in Fall,
Spring, or Summer semesters. You will be assigned an academic advisor who will assist with
scheduling the required courses.
Once admitted to the PS-MAT program, you are eligible for employment by a public school
district in Louisiana and may teach on a Practitioner License 2 for a total of 3 years, if yearly
renewal requirements are met.
INTERNSHIP IN TEACHING:
Upon completion of all coursework, and successfully passing the PRAXIS II Pedagogy tests, you
will enroll in a one-year Internship in Teaching. This is your teaching position in your
certification area. The Internship MUST be completed in a public school in Louisiana.
Upon successful completion of all courses, Internship, and PRAXIS requirements, you will be
eligible for a Level 1 Teaching Certificate.
Updated 9/11/2014
PRAXIS and GRE Information
The list of current PRAXIS CORE and PRAXIS II TESTS required for program admission
and certification may be found at:
https://www.teachlouisiana.net/teachers.aspx?PageID=5605.
PRAXIS CORE: READING, WRITING, and MATH tests. (Note: An earned Master’s degree, an ACT
composite score of at least 22, or an SAT combined verbal and math score of at least 1030 will substitute
for passing PPST/CORE scores. PRAXIS I PPST Reading, Writing, and Math scores are accepted if passed
prior to 9/1/14.)
PRAXIS II Subject/Content test:
A passing score on the test in your teaching content area and/or grade level is required for admission to
all Alternate Certification programs.
PRAXIS II Pedagogy test:
A passing score on the Principles of Learning and Teaching test appropriate to the certification level (AND
the Special Education test for Mild/Moderate Special Education candidates) is required for admission to
Internship for MAT and Non-Masters candidates, and for certification for PREP students.
PRAXIS II Reading test:
A passing score on the PRAXIS II Reading test (0204) is required for Level 1 certification for Elementary 1-5
Practitioner Teacher candidates.
Scheduling PRAXIS and GRE tests:
Register through the ETS website: www.ets.org.
Natchitoches testing site:
Northwestern State University, Kyser Hall Room 401G, ph: 318-357-5246
Alexandria testing site:
LSUA, 191 Middleton Dr., Alexandria LA, ph: 318-767-3972
Bossier City testing site:
Prometric Testing Center 4350 Viking Dr., Bossier City LA, ph: 318-742-7349
GRE:
Graduate Record Examination – a minimum score of 280-281 (new scoring) or 750 (old scoring) Verbal and Quantitative are required for enrollment in any alternate certification program. (The NSU
Graduate School allows one (1) semester of enrollment without the required GRE scores.)
GRE registration:
www.ets.org/gre
**********************************************************************
When registering for PRAXIS and GRE tests, please:
1) List NSU (code 6492) and the Louisiana Department of Education (code 7330) as score
recipients;
2) Be sure to put your SSN on your PRAXIS registration form/s so you will be “matched” at the
Louisiana Department of Education.
Updated 9/11/2014
TRANSCRIPT REQUEST FORM
PLEASE MAIL DIRECTLY TO YOUR REGISTRAR’S OFFICE
Date:
To:
Registrar
University
Address
Please send an official copy of my transcript to:
Office of Teacher Certification
College of Education & Human Development
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches LA 71497
I attended your university under the name
.
Social Security number
. Date of Birth
Attendance dates
. Undergraduate
.
Graduate
Transcripts should be sent after final grades are recorded. I have enclosed $
to cover the cost of the transcript.
Signature
Address
City
State
Zip
NOTE: Most colleges/universities require advance payment for transcripts. You should contact
them for the cost and attach payment to this transcript request.
Official transcripts are required from EACH institution attended, regardless of whether the credits
appear on another school’s transcript.
Updated 9/11/2014
PRAXIS Study App
www.quizlet.com/mobile Quizlet Flashcard App.
PRAXIS Study Resources On-Line
www.ets.org These are the folks that “own” the test, so they will be glad to sell you study guides
or workshops. Very valuable site to get an overview of the test content and procedure, but try not
to spend any money on study stuff. This is also where you find information about the test
schedule and location, and you can register to take the test(s) on this website.
www.testprepreview.com Click on the “PRAXIS Practice” link on the left side of the screen. You’ll
get some free subject-area assessments and a link to sell you some study materials (of course).
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/ Excellent link for grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, etc.
http://www.learnatest.com/learningexpresslibrary Excellent source of interactive practice tests.
Exceptional variety of test materials. Sign up for a free account, select your test, and work at
your own pace. Save your work and come back later if you choose.
http://www.praxis2studynotes.com This website offers summaries of study notes compiled by
actual test takers. They charge a fee for each set of notes, but you get immediate access via email and download.
NEW!!! Website links to “released” standardized tests. Great practice tests!!!
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/css05rtq.asp
http://educationportal.com/academy/subject/praxis.html?hq_e=el&hq_m=1627485&hq_l=2&hq_v=9777a08eaa
Great videos with quizzes to help you prepare for Praxis Core & II.
There are other online resources; Google “PRAXIS help” for the links.
Updated 9/11/2014
Northwestern State
University
College of Education & Human
Development
Alternate Certification Program
Where do I go from here?
Complete and submit the alternate certification program
application for admission to the Office of Teacher
Certification. (http://dtl.nsula.edu/welcome-2/)
Apply for admission to the NSU Graduate School. (www.nsula.edu/graduatestudies/)
Complete and send the transcript request form found in the admission packet to all
universities attended. Or, you may have an electronic transcript (E-script) sent to
TEACHNorthwestern.
Register for and take PRAXIS CORE Reading, Writing, and Math.
Remember: The Praxis CORE exams are not required if you have earned a
Master’s degree, have an ACT composite score of at least 22, or an SAT combined
verbal and math score of at least 1030.
Register for and take PRAXIS II Subject/Content Specific test.
Register for and take GRE. (Not required for PREP.)
Remember: You must earn a combined verbal and quantitative score of 280-281
(new scoring) or 750 (old scoring).
Mailing Address:
Office of Teacher Certification
Gallaspy College of Education & Human Development
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
Updated 9/11/14